Word: Loose

Pronunciation

/luːs/

Definitions

• Adjective: Not tight, firmly fixed in place, or securely fastened; detached or free from something else. For example: “The knot in the rope was loose.”

  • Also, not compact or dense; having spaces or gaps between parts: “The soil here is loose and easy to dig.”
  • In terms of morals or behavior, it can mean not strict, restrained, or disciplined: “She has loose living habits.”
  • When referring to animals, it could mean not confined or not under control: “The dog got loose from its leash.”

• Verb: (loose, looses, loosened, loosening)

  • To release, set free, or untie something that is bound, fastened, or attached. Example: “He loosened the knot on the package.”
  • To make less tight or constricted; relax. Example: “She decided to loosen her tie after work.”

Phrases

• “Let loose” means to allow someone or something to move or act freely, or to behave in an unrestrained manner.
• “Loose ends” refers to unresolved issues or tasks left incomplete.
• “Loose lips sink ships” is a proverbial warning about the dangers of careless talk.

Example Sentences

• Adjective: “Make sure the bolts are tight; we don’t want anything coming loose during the flight.”
• Verb: “Before attempting to remove the lid, he had to loosen the screws first.”

Synonyms

• Free
• Unfastened
• Untied
• Unsecured
• Slack
• Unrestrained
• Unconfined
• Relaxed (as a verb)